Ahmad Shuja Jamal, Director of International Affairs and Regional Cooperation, Office of National Security Council, Afghanistan, discusses Pakistan’s role in what he describes as the proxy war going on in Afghanistan, what Australia can do to support Afghanistan, and his upcoming visit to Australia.

In light of the recent military withdrawal of US, Australian and other international forces from Afghanistan, and as the Taleban continues to gain control of territory and attack communities across the country, the Whitlam Institute seeks to raise awareness - in Australia and beyond - of the situation in Afghanistan today.

Through our policy research on Australia in the World, we produced this seven-part podcast series with eminent experts, officials and community leaders to ensure their voices are heard here in Australia as we explore what Australia’s foreign policy toward Afghanistan should look like post-military withdrawal.

In this first episode, Whitlam Institute Director Leanne Smith speaks to Ahmad Shuja Jamal, Director of International Affairs and Regional Cooperation in the Office of National Security Council, Afghanistan. He touches on Pakistan’s proxy war in Afghanistan, what Australia can do to support Afghanistan at this time.